Benjamin Siegrist, the 34-year-old Swiss goalkeeper, is preparing to bring an end to his tenure at Rapid, despite still having one year left on his contract with the Giuleștean side. The move is set to be purely administrative, as Siegrist aims to negotiate the termination of his contract and has no intention of continuing his career in the Superliga.
The Road to Departure
Siegrist’s journey to this point began when he was loaned out to Genoa, a move facilitated by Rapid’s owner, Dan Șucu. The Elvețian goalkeeper’s stint at Genoa has come to an end, and he is set to return to Rapid to finalize his contract. However, sources close to the matter suggest that Siegrist is being courted by several clubs in Serie B, as well as his former team, Lugano, in Switzerland. This indicates that his next move will likely be outside of Romania.
Siegrist’s tenure at Rapid was short-lived, despite being brought to the club by Neil Lennon, the team’s former coach, after he parted ways with Celtic. In January 2025, Siegrist was loaned out to Genoa for the remainder of the season, where he appeared in just two matches. During the recent season, he remained with the Italian club but only made one appearance, in a Coppa Italia match against Atalanta.
Transfer Market Value and Career Highlights
As per Transfermarkt, Siegrist’s transfer value is set at 400,000 euros, a figure that reflects his experience and skills as a goalkeeper. Throughout his career, Siegrist has had notable stints at Dundee United, where he became one of the most respected goalkeepers in the Premiership. He set a record for the most saves made in a single season, with 131, which ultimately led to his transfer to Celtic.
Siegrist’s decision to leave Rapid is also influenced by the deteriorating relationship between him and the team’s former coach, Marius Șumudică. The two had a public disagreement during a training camp in Dubai, which ultimately led to Siegrist’s loan to Genoa and the eventual transfer of Franz Stolz to Rapid.
A New Chapter in Siegrist’s Career
Siegrist’s career has been marked by several notable achievements, including his participation in the 2012 Olympic Games with the Elvețian national team. After spells in England and Scotland, he returned to Switzerland, where he played for FC Vaduz before joining Dundee United. His time in Scotland saw him become one of the most respected goalkeepers in the Premiership, a testament to his skills and dedication.
As Siegrist departs Rapid, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the goalkeeper. One thing is certain, however: his exit from the Superliga marks the end of an era, and Rapid will have to look elsewhere to find a suitable replacement.
Rapid will need to regroup and find a new goalkeeper to fill the void left by Siegrist’s departure, a challenge that will test the club’s ability to adapt and evolve.